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Educational Psychology Career Guide

The term educational psychology involves the study of how children, adolescents and adults learn in schools ancolleges. This field of study involves the psychology of teaching in educational settings, the efficiency of 

educational interventions and the psychology of schools in social areas.

Although the terms school psychology and educational psychology have often been substituted for one another,

they are not the same. Theorists and researchers are more likely to be recognized as educational psychologists,

while practitioners in either schools or school-related settings are recognized as school psychologists. The field

of educational psychology often focuses on subgroups such as those subject to certain disabilities and gifted

children, and it is concerned with how students develop and learn.

Psychology Careers

1. The role of an educational psychologist is to study a student’s behavior and his or her capabilities to learn in a

academic environment. These psychologists are concerned with the tools and teaching techniques in the

classroom in hopes of facilitating learning. This comes about by research done on classroom dynamics and

teaching methods. They also research sub-groups that are within student populations such as students with

learning disabilities, gifted children or those with behavioral problems.

2. School psychologists are concerned with the needs of individual students. In the field of educational

psychology, school psychologists develop treatment plans, perform performance evaluations and diagnostic

assessments, and monitor effectiveness and progress.

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Educational Psychologist Skills

Getting a degree as an educational psychologist will allow individuals the develop skills that can positively

influence the quality of education. The following are some skills that are developed with a degree in psychology

and are used in the profession of an educational psychologist:

• Ability to analyze the behavior of children• Ability to counsel students

• Evaluate needs

• Make good sound decisions

• Develop oral and written communication skills

• Increase knowledge concerning child development

• In possession of highly developed interactive skills

• Comprehend individual education programming

• Comprehend behavioral changes

• Develop assessment methods

Training and Education

The shortest route to becoming an educational psychologist is by enrolling in a two-year program known as a

master’s in educational psychology program (MEd). During this time, students are introduced to courses in

cognition, development, human learning and research methodology. Upon graduation, individuals will have the

ability to conduct applied research, as well as evaluate and consult the needs of public and private schools.

An Ed.S also known as an education specialist degree in school psychology, is needed for those who desire to

become school psychologists. This typically takes one to three years to complete and is a basic follow-up to the

master’s in educational psychology degree.

In order to earn a Doctor of Education (Ed.D), also known as a Doctor of Philosophy degree, an individual

typically has to commit to a four to six year program. These programs dig deeper into the field of educational

psychology by concentrating on age groups and developmental specialties as well as sharpening a student’s skil

in areas of human development, research design, and educational, emotional and behavioral problems.

Does a career in educational psychology interest you? Then take the first step by getting in touch with an

administrator at Argosy University, which offers a wide selection of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree

programs in a variety of psychology concentrations at 19 locations across the nation. Click here to request more

information.